15 Characteristic Allergy Symptoms

Allergies can be better described as a response that comes from the body’s immune system; normally, the body’s immune system is tasked with the job of attacking any intruding viruses or bacteria that try to make their way through the body. When the body is having an allergic reaction, the immune system is attacking the allergen as though it were an intruding pathogen instead.

Almost anything around you can trigger a potential allergic reaction, including lactose, wheat, certain artificial colorants, caffeine, alcohol, shellfish and pollen. Some people are also allergic to certain medications, and in exceptionally rare cases people can even display an allergy to things that are all around them, like an allergy to light – an extremely rare condition.

Have you ever gotten a blocked nose when drinking a glass of milk or after eating shellfish? It’s possible that you could be allergic.

Here are 13 more characteristic allergy symptoms to look out for.

1. Difficulty Swallowing

One of the first symptoms that you could be having an allergic reaction is the fact that you might have some difficulty swallowing; pay attention to this symptom if you are out eating at friends or a restaurant and know that you are allergic to something; Many times, even with a special request to the chef, allergens can contaminate the food you are served – in some cases, your food might even full-on contain the allergen that you specified to the server or chef.

If you find that you suddenly have difficulty swallowing at a restaurant after consuming anything with potential allergens, you should seek medical attention immediately and take an antihistamine if you have them on hand: Difficulty swallowing in the case of an allergic reaction can easily lead to anaphylactic shock, which can close up the throat completely and lead to unconsciousness or death. If you aren’t sure what caused this allergic reaction, go for a thorough allergy screening.